Respiratory Infectious Diseases in Thailand: Exploring the Rise of Influenza and Prevention Measures

2023-08-19 08:39:00

On August 19, Dr. Sophon Iamsirithavorn Deputy Director General Department of Disease Control Discuss the situation of respiratory infectious diseases in Thailand. After the COVID-19 situation has resolved, it was likely that this period would be during an influenza epidemic. because it is the rainy season And there are many groups at risk, such as schools, military camps, etc. The number of influenza patients in 2023 is three times higher than in 2022, with data from January 1, 2023 until August 17, 97,052. which looks like the sickness rate each week compared to the same period last year also increased 3 times as well There are a number of severe symptoms. in the elderly group with chronic disease As for the officially reported deaths, since February, one person, 39 years old, had a history of drinking alcohol. and have liver and kidney problems

“Now we have to speed up disease prevention. Self-defense measures are being taken. That is, wash your hands often. Wear a mask when at risk or having symptoms, but the best way is If you start to feel sick, you should stop resting at home. in order not to infect others and asked the risk group Both the elderly aged 65 years and over, the group with congenital disease to get the annual influenza vaccination at the hospital near the house, ”said the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control.

When asked whether some people were concerned that Because in the past, Thailand has had many COVID-19 infections. make the body’s immune system and the physical condition is defective in many parts It makes time to get infected with the flu. or influenza or other beliefs or have a chance to get sick Then the symptoms were more severe, Dr. Sophon said that this matter was not related because in fact the body’s immunity was smarter than it seemed. it can distinguish are specific to pathogens, such as influenza vaccination It will only protect against influenza. vaccination against covid It only protects against COVID. But there will be some immunity that is a natural immunity that may prevent many diseases at the same time, both of which will help each other. Is to help the body get rid of germs that enter the body effectively Therefore, to say that vaccination Or having been infected with COVID before will result in infection with influenza or other viruses that are more severe is not true.

When asked if being addicted to COVID before causing various systems inside the body worse Will it result in more severe symptoms after being infected with influenza? or increase the chances that the body will be ill with other chronic diseases Then the symptoms were more severe, Dr. Sophon said that there was no information that reflected that way. because of clear knowledge and widely recognized It’s also a matter of specificity. no effect And don’t forget that COVID is a disease that is spreading around the world. If there’s a problem, there’s a global problem. It’s not just a problem in Thailand. Which has not yet seen scientists from other countries come out to provide information in this line Also the immune system is universal knowledge If there is this problem, other countries are likely to be discussed. or have concerns about this as well Thailand is not a country with a severe outbreak of COVID-19 compared to Western countries or America.

When asked if There are many people who have been infected with COVID. Then a cold infection occurred, so I felt that I had more severe symptoms, but in fact, various cold infections So what are the severe symptoms that are risk factors? Dr. Sopon said it depends on 2-3 factors. The first one is the person who is infected. physically healthy person The chances of having severe symptoms are less. People who are vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, groups with multiple underlying diseases. There are many chances to have many symptoms. The second factor is the infection that spreads. Which now the epidemic in Thailand has not changed much, namely H1N1, which has been found since 2009, this year is the 14th year, which is well known that It’s an infection that doesn’t cause any serious damage. Together with the third factor, if vaccinated against it, it will cause infection and less symptoms. or no symptoms at all

“Because Thailand has been influenza-free for 2 years due to the outbreak of COVID-19, people have intense protection. Wearing masks across the country thus preventing other respiratory diseases as well, but influenza began to return last year that we began to reduce measures in the country according to the reduced risks And this year there are more outbreaks. Or increased 3 times, but the violence is not different from the past, ”said Dr. Sophon.

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